K-1 Konfusion!

[jmana]

You cannot bring a cell phone or any electronic devices into any US Embassy. You go through a metal detector and are searched.
 
The case is mostly decided before the interview based on your evidence. She should bring a large photo album. You can start sending a lot of emails and print them out. You can get her birth father and step father to write letters.
 
She has to take the medical exam at the specified clinic in Moscow. There can be medical reasons to deny the visa.
 
You cannot enter the US Embassy in Moscow with your fiancee.
 
You can find all the necessary forms, instructions and so on at the embassy website. The procedure changes and what someone did a year or two ago could be obsolete. Each US Embassy has their own procedures based upon the laws of the country they are in.
 
You need to find out about permission form her child's birth father. If no father is listed on the child's birth certificate and she says she does not know who the father is, we wonder what they will accept?

Is not being able to go into the interview a new thing?  I've read many times that this was perfectly fine.  Also, the father isn't on the birth certificate, and she has no idea where he is.  Where in the process would that cause me problems?  I know it asks about paternity on the DS-160 but I didn't know if I could submit it with that info blank.

[Wayne]

Again, every US Embassy in each country has their own rules and procedures. In Ukraine, the American citizen is allowed to attend his fiancee's interview. In Mosow, you are not allowed in.
 
Are you sure that the DS 160 form is the correct one for a K-1/K-2? Remember, you are doing a non-immigrant visa.
 
Where your fiancee could run into trouble with taking her daughter out of Russia is not with the embassy in Moscow, it is at the airport when she tries to leave Russia. Of course, a large bribe can usually fix that!
 
In Ukraine, the embassy has different rules based upon the laws of Ukraine.

[tfcrew]

I know it asks about paternity on the DS-160 but I didn't know if I could submit it with that info blank.

Put 'unknown'. They will ask her about it.

[jmana]

Again, every US Embassy in each country has their own rules and procedures. In Ukraine, the American citizen is allowed to attend his fiancee's interview. In Mosow, you are not allowed in.
 
Are you sure that the DS 160 form is the correct one for a K-1/K-2? Remember, you are doing a non-immigrant visa.
 
Where your fiancee could run into trouble with taking her daughter out of Russia is not with the embassy in Moscow, it is at the airport when she tries to leave Russia. Of course, a large bribe can usually fix that!
 
In Ukraine, the embassy has different rules based upon the laws of Ukraine.

From what I've read they just switched over to the DS -160 October 7th

[GQBlues]

Put 'unknown'. They will ask her about it.

The proper answer for this specific case is: NNATT - BOHFTD.

'Not Necessary At This Time. Beneficiary Only Here For a Test Drive'

[TomT]

1) The clock is ticking and you should be finding a way to get the Skype data out of your phone, instead of wasting your time discussing things that might be covered in the interview package.

2) One quick (but expensive) way to get more evidence is to send her a few thousand via Western Union or MoneyGram for expenses associated with her visa, the trip and to compensate her for lost income. It should go without saying that she should bring the receipt to the interview.

3) Send her a link to sample visa interview questions on visajourney so that she can prepare.

[jmana]

1) The clock is ticking and you should be finding a way to get the Skype data out of your phone, instead of wasting your time discussing things that might be covered in the interview package.

2) One quick (but expensive) way to get more evidence is to send her a few thousand via Western Union or MoneyGram for expenses associated with her visa, the trip and to compensate her for lost income. It should go without saying that she should bring the receipt to the interview.

3) Send her a link to sample visa interview questions on visajourney so that she can prepare.

1. My plan is to start using Skype via computer between now and the interview, and I'll take screenshots, email them to her, and she can print them out to take along.

2. That sounds like a horrible idea!  I'd think that would show them I am "purchasing" her!  I mean I am paying for everything related to the visa, and her travel expenses, but for her to go in with a receipt from Western union showing I sent her a couple thousand $$ would not send a good message in my opinion.

3. Already did that.

[southernX]

1. My plan is to start using Skype via computer between now and the interview, and I'll take screenshots, email them to her, and she can print them out to take along.

2. That sounds like a horrible idea!  I'd think that would show them I am "purchasing" her!  I mean I am paying for everything related to the visa, and her travel expenses, but for her to go in with a receipt from Western union showing I sent her a couple thousand $$ would not send a good message in my opinion.

jmana

for no 1 id suggest you also keep a file on your computer to store your screenshot or cut and paste skype records to ,

having a back up copy is always good insurance ,

no 2 unlike tom id suggest if/when you send money do it in smaller  regular amounts via western union or however ,this demonstrates ongoing financial support in the relationship , which is quite fine usually with immigration ime
 keep all the receipts and emails etc associated with those transactions , scan them and email them to her for the interview as well

SX

[jmana]

Did you skip line 35? You better not.

Why do you keep mentioning line 35 and 35a on this thread, and even bringing it up on others people's threads that don't involve me, but you throw my name out there along with this notion that I am violating the "marriage broker" clause??  I never used any kind of service to meet Alina, those services, including the ones that do the "mixers" are all really creepy if you ask me.  In fact anything that specifically markets Russian women to one particular nationality of men is really creepy.  I met Alina on a regular dating site, it had men and women on there, I'd say about half of them didn't even want to date anyone outside of Russia, and the ones that were willing to date someone outside of Russia didn't have that as their goal.  In fact, it took me a really long time to meet Alina, I expected an onslaught of women, mostly scammers to write to me, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was like a normal American dating site. 

[jmana]

jmana

for no 1 id suggest you also keep a file on your computer to store your screenshot or cut and paste skype records to ,

having a back up copy is always good insurance ,

no 2 unlike tom id suggest if/when you send money do it in smaller  regular amounts via western union or however ,this demonstrates ongoing financial support in the relationship , which is quite fine usually with immigration ime
 keep all the receipts and emails etc associated with those transactions , scan them and email them to her for the interview as well

SX

Well I've just been paying for everything as it comes up, so far just the 129f application fee, but as soon as she gets her daughter's passport I will schedule and pay for the medical and pay the visa fees, and transportation for her to get to the interview.  I won't be buying the flight here until the visas are approved.  Do you think I should email her documentation when I pay for the medical and visa for her to show who paid for it?  I've offered to send her money before so she could work less hours and spend more time with her daughter, but she refused it     Actually for the medical I doubt that I will be able to pay for that online, so I will probably have to send her money somehow.  Is Western Union still the best way to do that?  Also, what is the current cost for the medical exams?  I read somewhere that it was $200 for an adult and $150 for a child, but I want to make sure I send enough to cover it.  Thanks

[Gator]

jmana,
 
I am joining this thread late.  I will skip the discussion of your intentions and assume them honorable.   
 
Regarding the medical examinations, these must be done in Moscow by an authorized panel physician.  Your fiancée and her child will need to go to Moscow 2-3 days before her interview to have the examinations performed and processed.  She will return to the physician in a day or two and be given the results in a sealed envelope, which she must bring to the consular interview still sealed.   It is important that she submit at the examination the documents showing she and her child have the necessary vaccinations.   If a vaccination was not done, the examining physician will administer it for a fee.
 
Your fiancée should obtain a police certificate as soon as possible because the police can be slow in providing the certificate.  Money works. 
 
 
Be certain about whether the DS-160 is the correct form.  A DS-160 is for a non-immigrant visa.  A DS-260 is for an immigrant visa.  A K1 is an immigrant visa.
 
Regarding the child's father, "unknown" is the best answer even if it looks odd.  Is the child's surname the same as its mother's?  And I assume your fiancée's surname is the same as her father's if she has never married.  I ask because if the father's whereabouts is unknown, your fiancée  still would need to petition the court for sole custody. 
 
If you have questions, a good source of information is Visa Journey, particularly the K1 forum.     http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/80-k-1-fiancee-visa-process-procedures/
 
BTW, the Consular Officer asked my stepson some questions about me.   
 
I wish you well.  When Alina does arrive at your home, she must feel that she has your complete support 24-7.  Adjustment can be a difficult period for RW (no friends, everything new and strange, child, language and cultural barriers, etc.).    If you are still uncertain about her, she will detect it.  This will create doubts in her and she may question why she left Russia.  Again, she and her child need your support 24-7.
 
Regarding your natural son, do not be surprised that Alina is not the same mother to him as she is to her own child.  This could be a challenging discussion point. 

[Gator]

Also,  perhaps you have read tis document already.  I do not know if it is still applicable.  Look for the most current version.    I mention it because a couple of your questions in this thread suggest that you have not read them.
 
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/supplements/MOS-SUP-ENGL-0001-1107.pdf

[jmana]

jmana,
 
I am joining this thread late.  I will skip the discussion of your intentions and assume them honorable.   
 
Regarding the medical examinations, these must be done in Moscow by an authorized panel physician.  Your fiancée and her child will need to go to Moscow 2-3 days before her interview to have the examinations performed and processed.  She will return to the physician in a day or two and be given the results in a sealed envelope, which she must bring to the consular interview still sealed.   It is important that she submit at the examination the documents showing she and her child have the necessary vaccinations.   If a vaccination was not done, the examining physician will administer it for a fee.
 
Your fiancée should obtain a police certificate as soon as possible because the police can be slow in providing the certificate.  Money works. 
 
 
Be certain about whether the DS-160 is the correct form.  A DS-160 is for a non-immigrant visa.  A DS-260 is for an immigrant visa.  A K1 is an immigrant visa.
 
Regarding the child's father, "unknown" is the best answer even if it looks odd.  Is the child's surname the same as its mother's?  And I assume your fiancée's surname is the same as her father's if she has never married.  I ask because if the father's whereabouts is unknown, your fiancée  still would need to petition the court for sole custody. 
 
If you have questions, a good source of information is Visa Journey, particularly the K1 forum.     http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/80-k-1-fiancee-visa-process-procedures/
 
BTW, the Consular Officer asked my stepson some questions about me.   
 
I wish you well.  When Alina does arrive at your home, she must feel that she has your complete support 24-7.  Adjustment can be a difficult period for RW (no friends, everything new and strange, child, language and cultural barriers, etc.).    If you are still uncertain about her, she will detect it.  This will create doubts in her and she may question why she left Russia.  Again, she and her child need your support 24-7.
 
Regarding your natural son, do not be surprised that Alina is not the same mother to him as she is to her own child.  This could be a challenging discussion point.

This is what I am getting from the embassy's website: *If you were informed before October 15, 2013, that the U.S. Embassy received your approved I-129F petition and you could schedule an interview, you may submit Forms DS-156, DS-156K and DS-230 instead of Form DS-160.

Thanks for the link to the document stating nobody can come into the interview.  That must be something that has changed as I have read other accounts from a couple years ago that state differently, either that or they don't enforce it and sometimes do allow people in? 

I plan to give her as much support as she needs.  I know I can't be there for her all the time, I do still have to work, but I will do my best to help her to make new friends here.  Luckily there are a lot of stay at home mothers in this area that have "groups", but unfortunately they seem to be older women and I could see them being hard for her to warm up to.  And yeah, I know anytime 2 people with their own kids who try to have a relationship isn't always easy, but I'm hoping because her daughter is so young, and the fact that my son is such a good kid, that it won't be an issue. 

Oh, and yes her daughter's last name is the same as her's.  And Alina's last name is that of her stepfather's (he adopted her).  The dad is not in the picture at all, he had promised to marry Alina but as soon as she got pregnant he disappeared.  I have a feeling that is a common thing in Russia, at least by the number of single moms with really young kids I saw on the dating sites there. 

[JayH]

1) The clock is ticking and you should be finding a way to get the Skype data out of your phone, instead of wasting your time discussing things that might be covered in the interview package.

2) One quick (but expensive) way to get more evidence is to send her a few thousand via Western Union or MoneyGram for expenses associated with her visa, the trip and to compensate her for lost income. It should go without saying that she should bring the receipt to the interview.

3) Send her a link to sample visa interview questions on visajourney so that she can prepare.

Tom you know what I think of you!! The other side of that coin is your knowledge of the US immigration laws and process and your willingness to offer advice and try and help- so kudos for that.
I have no specific personal need of US process---other than what actually bought me to forums in the first place--I was looking for information on the US system to offer advice to help a friend(friend of friend) who was getting BS's to in every way  by some American guy -- so I do read and follow most of the threads and US guys stories.
My question here is about the money you suggest sending-- can you please explain the significance in the process-- can you clarify please. I have not seen you mention this type of issue previously.

[Daveman]

Tom you know what I think of you!!

Then why make the comment??    He already knows!

My question here is about the money you suggest sending-- can you please explain the significance in the process-- can you clarify please. I have not seen you mention this type of issue previously.

The proper way to document support would be the way southernX indicated

[/size]

...
no 2 unlike tom id suggest if/when you send money do it in smaller  regular amounts via western union or however ,this demonstrates ongoing financial support in the relationship , which is quite fine usually with immigration ime
 keep all the receipts and emails etc associated with those transactions , scan them and email them to her for the interview as well

SX

It's probably more relevant or noteworthy for the CR-1 than for the K-1, but documented support over time is another piece of evidence for an ongoing relationship. 


If there is concern over that proof, then, as suggested, begin sending a small sum each month via Moneygram (steer clear of Western Union to avoid exorbitant fees).

[calmissile]

He might also use the method we do, and that is a Walmart prepaid debit card (Visa).  One account, two cards.  One in my name and one in hers.  I put money in at any Walmart, and she withdraws it at any ATM or inside a bank.

I gave up on Western Union.  They tend to block transfers, particularily if over $500 and going to Russia or Ukraine.  They told me that it is because of all the fraud.  That's when I dumped them.

[Shadow]

Oh, and yes her daughter's last name is the same as her's.  And Alina's last name is that of her stepfather's (he adopted her).  The dad is not in the picture at all, he had promised to marry Alina but as soon as she got pregnant he disappeared.  I have a feeling that is a common thing in Russia, at least by the number of single moms with really young kids I saw on the dating sites there.

According to MrsShadow that happens mostly if the woman tries to trap the father by becoming pregnant when she said to use birth control. That seems to become a common thing. As I do not know Alina there is no way to determine who was responsible for the behaviour of the father, you should keep the faith in her version.

[GQBlues]

Why do you keep mentioning line 35 and 35a on this thread, and even bringing it up on others people's threads that don't involve me, but you throw my name out there along with this notion that I am violating the "marriage broker" clause?? I never used any kind of service to meet Alina, those services, including the ones that do the "mixers" are all really creepy if you ask me....

You see how you are?    It's obvious now you simply skipped those lines. Surely I didn't have to pull the post where you said you met her on RussianEuro, now do I? If I'm not mistaken, the instruction took at least 2-3 pages for it not to be important in case you missed that.
 
As long as your inamorata shares the same story that you met at a supermarket with the interviewer, lol, you should be OK. Otherwise, you can send all the 40 bucks on Moneygram, in small installment like TomT tells you to, and uh-oh, no dice - she ain't getting the 'GO' pass...
 
...and FWIW, a K-1 is a NON-immigrant visa. In case someone ask you.
 
I'm enjoying how someone like you, one who keeps reminding everyone they've done this before, keeps fumbling around the turn. Taking a trip to Russia and spending the necessary time there to get to know the woman better would've been far easier, el gringo.

[TomT]

... unlike tom id suggest if/when you send money do it in smaller  regular amounts via western union or however...

Sending smaller monthly sums would have been my suggestion but, under the circumstances, it's unlikely that there will be time for more than one "monthly" transfer. If he has sent money previously, I hope that they had the foresight to save the receipts so that they can be presented as evidence.




jamana,


You should be concerned about insufficient evidence of a relationship, not the appearance of buying a bride. Had the adventure been better planned, you would not have had to resort to crisis-basis damage control.




p.s.


Yes, a K-1 is a non-immigrant visa. The classification really doesn't make any difference; it gets her here so that you can marry her, that's all. All things considered, it's best to marry during the third month in country.

[jmana]

You see how you are?    It's obvious now you simply skipped those lines. Surely I didn't have to pull the post where you said you met her on RussianEuro, now do I? If I'm not mistaken, the instruction took at least 2-3 pages for it not to be important in case you missed that.
 
As long as your inamorata shares the same story that you met at a supermarket with the interviewer, lol, you should be OK. Otherwise, you can send all the 40 bucks on Moneygram, in small installment like TomT tells you to, and uh-oh, no dice - she ain't getting the 'GO' pass...
 
...and FWIW, a K-1 is a NON-immigrant visa. In case someone ask you.
 
I'm enjoying how someone like you, one who keeps reminding everyone they've done this before, keeps fumbling around the turn. Taking a trip to Russia and spending the necessary time there to get to know the woman better would've been far easier, el gringo.

Russianeuro is a dating site just like any other.  Maybe you should check it out before you go spouting off nonsense?  It's no different than any other dating site I've been to.  Not sure why it's even called Russianeuro as there are people on there from all over, and both men and women. Some looking to move, a lot not.

What's your point about it being a non-immigrant visa? 

[TomT]

You may be able to print your entire Skype history from your computer, even if most of your conversations were on your phone. You can check this possibility on the Skype help site.

[jmana]

I was wrong about the site I met her on, it's not Russianeuro, that's not even a website    I think I had met the girl who visited me from Moscow on that site, but apparently it changed names.  If I recall correctly the one I met Alina on was freepersonals.ru (I have a horrible memory), but I know it was completely free and had people from all over the world so it doesn't qualify under any of the "marriage broker" rules.

[jmana]

You my be able to print your entire Skype history from your computer, even if most of your conversations were on your phone. You can check this possibility on the Skype help site.

I already looked into it.  Basically all your Skype history is stored locally by device.  For example, even if you have 2 laptops and you only used one to Skype on, you would not be able to pull up the history on the other.  I think they changed it this way so that people who steal passwords at least can't pull up previous private conversations.  Now you can be logged in to 2 devices at the same time and it will store it on both devices, but I wasn't aware of this.

[GQBlues]

Russianeuro is a dating site just like any other.  Maybe you should check it out before you go spouting off nonsense?  It's no different than any other dating site I've been to.  Not sure why it's even called Russianeuro as there are people on there from all over, and both men and women. Some looking to move, a lot not.

You really should do more diligence with your plight. Read this. It touched on EXACTLY the site you met your inamorata at. You'll even recognize the 5th member of the Beatles in the thread.

(LT better pay attention as this is also in your wheelhouse)


http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/51714-international-marriage-broker/

What's your point about it being a non-immigrant visa?

That's the focal distinction why you are filing DS 160. Since you already filled the form up for your beneficiaries, I hope you had at least noted that in the proper section. There are NO fees involved since you already paid for it when you filed your 129F. I can only hope you or her was able to print the confirmation page when you submitted the forms since this will be one of the more important documents your inamorata needs to have with them for the interview. This is completely an online (electronic) filing. You can't donwload/print/keep a copy of it BUT you can print the confirmation of the submittal.

Where the previous cases required the petitioner to download form DS 156 (or whatever else applied in their case) and filled it in and then sent to the beneficiary/ies to have with them for the interview, this matter is now COMPLETELY done electronically.

There are exceptions to this, and for the purposes of everyone else who may not yet be in this period of their process, you can still still use DS 156 if for example, you already received a scheduled interview date. I believe there's a couple more exceptions so reading up on this can only help folks. Otherwise, DS 160 is the way to go these days and you can therefore schedule the interview thereafter. But do so only once you've received notification that your application was approved at NVC and had been sent to the Embassy.

One more short note: NOT all source countries fell under this change. Russia just happens to be one that did. So check the list of countries first (in their corresponding US Embassy sites) before filing the DS forms.

As for having proofs of relationships, loosely I will say only that, according to eligibility requirements by USCIS, you've met the requirement regarding meeting in person. Petitioner/beneficiary need only have ONE personal meeting in the past 24 months to prove a relationship.


 Eligibility Requirements  If you petition for a fiancé(e) visa, you must show that:
 

• You (the petitioner) are a U.S. citizen.
• You intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the United States.
• You and your fiancé(e) are both free to marry and any previous marriages must have been legally terminated by divorce, death, or annulment.
• You met each other, in person, at least once within 2 years of filing your petition. There are two exceptions that require a waiver:
   1. If the requirement to meet would violate strict and long-established customs of your or your fiancé(e)’s foreign culture or social practice.
   2. If you prove that the requirement to meet would result in extreme hardship to you.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=640a3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=640a3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

But I will NOT discount what the guys are telling you regarding having as much documentation with you as possible to help your cause. Bottom line is, it is difficult to be denied K-1 visas unless there's some extenuating circumstances that will prohibit the beneficiary to enter that once great nation on Gawd's green earth we know as USA, OR, vital documents are missing, which may result in getting your case delayed.

[jmana]

You really should do more diligence with your plight. Read this. It touched on EXACTLY the site you met your inamorata. You'll even recognize the 5th member of the Beatles in the thread.

(LT better pay attention as this is also in your wheelhouse)


http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/51714-international-marriage-broker/


That's the focal distinction why you are filing DS 160. Since you already filled the form up for your beneficiaries, I hope you had at least noted that in the proper section. There are NO fees involved since you already paid for it when you filed your 129F. I can only hope you or her was able to print the confirmation page when you submitted the forms since this will be one of the more important documents your inamorata needs to have with them for the interview. This is completely an online (electronic) filing. You can't donwload/print/keep a copy of it BUT you can print the confirmation of the submittal.

Where the previous cases required the petitioner to download form DS 156 (or whatever else applied in their case) and filled it in and then sent to the beneficiary/ies to have with them for the interview, this matter is now COMPLETELY done electronically.

There are exceptions to this, and for the purposes of everyone else who may not yet be in this period of their process, you can still still use DS 156 if for example, you already received a scheduled interview date. I believe there's a couple more exceptions so reading up on this can only help folks. Otherwise, DS 160 is the way to go these days and you can therefore schedule the interview thereafter.

As for having proofs of relationships, loosely I will say only that, according to eligibility requirements by USCIS, you've met the requirement regarding meeting in person. Petitioner/beneficiary need only have ONE personal meeting in the past 24 months to prove a relationship.


 Eligibility Requirements  If you petition for a fiancé(e) visa, you must show that:
 

• You (the petitioner) are a U.S. citizen.
• You intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the United States.
• You and your fiancé(e) are both free to marry and any previous marriages must have been legally terminated by divorce, death, or annulment.
• You met each other, in person, at least once within 2 years of filing your petition. There are two exceptions that require a waiver:
   1. If the requirement to meet would violate strict and long-established customs of your or your fiancé(e)’s foreign culture or social practice.
   2. If you prove that the requirement to meet would result in extreme hardship to you.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=640a3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=640a3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

But I will NOT discount what the guys are telling regarding having as much documentation with you as possible to help your cause. Bottom line is, it is difficult to be denied K-1 visas unless there's some extenuating circumstances that will prohibit the beneficiary to enter that once great nation on Gawd's green earth we know as USA, OR, vital documents are missing, which may result in getting your case delayed.

Wow, you're actually being half civil    Yeah I know all about the DS-160.  I have filled it out but can't complete it until I get the passport numbers, but once I do I will have the confirmation pages emailed to her (and I'll save a copy myself). 

Oh, and hopefully you read my last post regarding that website and my mistake of which one I met her on.  I do wonder though if they ask her and she gives them that website name if they aren't familiar with it, they might think it's a paid site that falls under IMBRA?  And to be honest I can't even be sure if that's the site.  I emailed her to see if she remembers which one it was.  I know I had a couple profiles on dating sites from all over the place, I wasn't specifically looking for a Russian woman, or particularly looking to get married either.  I was just seeing what was out there and Alina really impressed me and the more I talked to her the more I fell for her.